I remember a brand new '79 with your colors at the dealership I worked at back then, quite a looker.JD
Eight busy months have passed since the last update. The Iron Mullet has been a weekend warrior as a trailer parts getter... ... sometimes as a yard tractor... ... and sometimes as a stump puller: Also helped out with some welding on my neighbor's dump trailer:
The trailer was modified for a weight distribution hitch to help keep the rear bumper out of the dirt: All this was so exciting that I had to bring home another Ford: Most recently, the Iron Mullet rescued my buddy's Crown Vic when the harmonic balancer came apart. This was a good weight test for the Ranchero, which got the job done without a great deal of complaining. I need to tighten up the hitch a bit because she was riding low! (trailer is unhitched in picture) Maintenance has included a new vacuum modulator, drag link, and plenty of rattle hunting. Based on cylinder bore measurements taken last year and a few other factors, I believe I have a piston slapping around in one of the cylinder bores. Not too surprising, all things considered. The Iron Mullet has also recently gone from being the weekend warrior to daily driver, so these are interesting times! Hopefully this tired old engine has enough left to buy me some time while I arrange for the next daily ride. Despite the uncertainty, it's a lot more fun to drive something older that has some personality.
That's what I used my '74 GT for. I paid 1100.00 for her, drove & worked her everyday for 8yrs, till the fenders started flappin (damn IL. salt) then sold the engine & trans@135,000mi.. Hey you forgot a stump! LOL
Ha! Right there in front of me too! That one is far enough along that I could probably just run over it...
I have enjoyed reading your postings about your progress and challenges you have faced. It has inspired me to get back to working on my 79 once my garage is empty. Recently moved to Richmond, TX and am still unpacking numerous boxes which have taken up residence in the garage. Thanks!
Wow! It's fun to share this project, and I'm glad it's been a positive influence in some way. Good luck on your project, and please post your results!
This thread is pure awesomeness!!!!!!! Man, I wish I could do half of the things that have been done to the Iron Mullet. I would probably have to pay for someone to do all that. Good Work!!!!!!!!
[QUOTE=" Hmmm. I've always wanted to build a gantry crane... Done! This was the first tool I've built that needed a temporary structure to assemble. It collapses down to a height of 79 1/4" to roll through the 80" garage door opening. It is raised to 13 feet high in the picture, and can go higher if needed. The hoist is about 100 years old, and performed well with the geared trolley. Hard to justify all this, but was a blast to build and use. It's also an entertaining way to lower the Thanksgiving turkey into the fryer... [/QUOTE] Hi, I see you haven't been on here for a while but I was hoping you could share some more pictures and build detail on you gantry?
Iron Mullet was last seen: May 13, 2012 Do not think he will see your post has not logged on in over 4 years